General Anesthesia

Required to keep the child safe and comfortable during a dental procedure

Image Description

To keep your child safe and comfortable during a dental procedure, your child’s dentist might decide to use general anesthesia in the operating room.

General anesthesia also may be used if your child needs extensive or complicated procedures that will take a long time to complete, or needs several procedures done all at the same time. A pediatric anesthesiologist — a doctor who specializes in anesthesia for children — will give your child the medications that will make him or her sleep soundly during the procedure.

General anesthesia makes your child’s whole body go to sleep. It is needed for certain dental procedures and treatments so that his or her reflexes will be completely relaxed. Your child will feel no pain during the procedure, nor have any memory of it.

  • Your child’s nose, mouth, and throat may remain numb for 30 to 45 minutes after the procedure.
  • Your child’s throat may remain slightly sore for 1 to 2 days after general anesthesia.
  • Your child’s gums and mouth may be sore for several days afterward, depending on the dental procedure.
  • Use caution when your child eats and drinks for about 30 to 40 minutes after the procedure.
  • Your child may feel dizzy or feel like vomiting.